System and method for an improved inlet silencer baffle

ABSTRACT

A system includes a silencer baffle which mounts in a fluid conduit along a fluid flow path, where the silencer baffle includes a plurality of baffle sections. At least two baffle sections of the plurality of baffle sections couple together via mating interlock structures, and at least one baffle section of the plurality of baffle sections has first and second baffle portions which couple together via mating joints.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and benefit of Chinese PatentApplication No. 201710009874.7, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANIMPROVED INLET SILENCER BAFFLE”, filed Jan. 6, 2017, which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems and methods forsilencing noise within an air duct for a gas turbine engine.

Power generation equipment, such as a gas turbine engine, can use alarge supply of intake air to support the combustion process. Tomaintain suitable performance of the turbine, the intake air is filteredto remove unwanted dust, moisture, and other contaminants before the airis compressed in a compressor. The large volume of air that movesthrough the intake air housing and a large air duct acts as a conduitfor significant acoustical energy generated by the gas turbinecompressor blades, which may contribute to excess noise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimedsubject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intendedto limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather theseembodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of possibleforms of the claimed subject matter. Indeed, the claimed subject mattermay encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or differentfrom the embodiments set forth below.

In a first embodiment, a system includes a silencer baffle which mountsin a fluid conduit along a fluid flow path, where the silencer baffleincludes a plurality of baffle sections, and at least two bafflesections of the plurality of baffle sections couple together via matinginterlock structures. The system includes at least one baffle section ofthe plurality of baffle sections which has first and second baffleportions which couple together via mating joints.

In a second embodiment, a system includes a silencer baffle which mountsin a fluid conduit along a fluid flow path, where the silencer baffleincludes first and second baffle portions which couple together about asupport structure extending between opposite sides of the fluid conduit.

In a third embodiment, a system includes a silencer baffle which mountsin a fluid conduit along a fluid flow path, where the silencer baffleincludes first and second baffle portions which couple together about aninterior chamber, and a sound absorption material disposed in theinterior chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present claimedsubject matter will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a power generationsystem with a silencer baffle having a plurality of modularized bafflesections disposed within an air duct of an inlet housing;

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of an assembledsilencer baffle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a panel having aplurality of guide rails disposed on a side of a fluid conduit takenalong line 3-3 of FIGS. 1-2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a trailing edgesection of the silencer baffle taken along line 4-4 of FIGS. 1-2 priorto assembly;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the trailing edgesection of the silencer baffle taken along line 4-4 of FIGS. 1-2 afterassembly;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an intermediatesection of the silencer baffle taken along line 4-4 of FIGS. 1-2 priorto assembly;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the intermediatesection of the silencer baffle taken along line 4-4 of FIGS. 1-2 afterassembly;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the trailing edgesection and the intermediate section of the silencer baffle taken alongline 4-4 of FIGS. 1-2 before the trailing edge section and theintermediate section are coupled together;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the trailing edgesection and the intermediate section of the silencer baffle taken alongline 4-4 of FIGS. 1-2 after the trailing edge section and theintermediate section are coupled together;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a leading edgesection of the silencer baffle taken along line 4-4 of FIGS. 1-2 beforea first and a second baffle portion of the leading edge section havebeen coupled to the assembled intermediate section and trailing edgesection of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the leading edgesection of the silencer baffle taken along line 4-4 of FIGS. 1-2 after afirst baffle portion of the leading edge section has been coupled to theassembled intermediate section and trailing edge section of FIG. 9around a support structure;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the leading edgesection of the silencer baffle taken along line 4-4 of FIGS. 1-2 after asecond baffle portion of the leading edge section has been coupled tothe assembled intermediate section and trailing edge section of FIG. 9around the support structure;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the first baffleportion of the leading edge section of the silencer baffle taken alongline 13-13 of FIG. 2 illustrating the plurality of male and femalejoints;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the first baffleportion of the trailing edge section of the silencer baffle taken alongline 14-14 of FIG. 2 illustrating the plurality of male and femalejoints;

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the maleand the female joints used to couple the baffle portions together;

FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of a baffle section illustratingan embodiment of a dovetail lock utilized between the baffle sections ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thedovetail lock taken within line 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thedovetail lock taken within line 18-18 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a close-up view of an embodiment of an exterior surface of abaffle section of the silencer baffle;

FIG. 20 illustrates a method of forming the silencer baffles inaccordance with the embodiments disclosed herein; and

FIG. 21 illustrates a method of installing the silencer baffles inaccordance with the embodiments disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more specific embodiments of the present claimed subject matterwill be described below. In an effort to provide a concise descriptionof these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may notbe described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in thedevelopment of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering ordesign project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be madeto achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance withsystem-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from oneimplementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that sucha development effort might be complex and time consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, andmanufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present claimedsubject matter, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intendedto mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

Embodiments of the claimed subject matter include a power generationsystem including a gas turbine engine, where the system includes aconduit (e.g., an intake or exhaust housing and duct) for flowing afluid (e.g., air, recirculated exhaust gas, etc.) to a compressor. Oneor more silencer baffles (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10)parallel baffles may be disposed in the housing or duct (e.g., intake orexhaust). Each silencer baffle includes a plurality of baffle sectionsaligned substantially linearly with one another. The baffle sections arecoupled together via a lockable coupling, such as mating interlockstructures. The mating interlock structures may include a female jointportion and a male joint portion that secure adjacent baffle sectionstogether when coupled. The male and female joint portions are mirroredin location in the configuration of a baffle section, so that they maybe coupled (e.g., locked) together. The baffle sections may be producedby one injection mold. For example, the mating interlock structures mayinclude mating rail portions, mating dovetail joints, mating hook andslot joints, mating latches, mating snap-fit couplings, or anycombination thereof. Two or more baffle sections are assembled to form asilencer baffle. The baffle sections of the silencer baffle may form aplurality of rows and columns when assembled and installed into theinlet air housing and/or air duct. The baffle sections may be usedwithin an intake section (e.g., intake section, exhaust gasrecirculation, intake section, etc.), an exhaust system, or any othersuitable flow path (e.g., gas flow paths with suitable temperatures) ofthe power generation system.

Each of the baffle sections may be formed by coupling first and secondbaffle portions together via male and female mating joints. As may beappreciated, the male and the female joints may be in the form of dovetail joints. Each of the baffle portions may have an interior chamber. Asound absorption insert may be inserted into the interior chamber toabsorb noise. The sound absorption inserts may have openings to fit overthe male and female mating joints structural ribs or supports, and otherinternal features. One or more of the baffle sections (e.g., a leadingedge baffle section) may be formed around a support structure (e.g., arod or a pipe). The rod may be secured to the duct panels by a suitablemethod, such as welding. The baffle sections may be formed by couplingthe mating joints together to form each baffle section (e.g., a leadingedge baffle section, a trailing edge baffle section, and an intermediatesection). The trailing edge baffle section and the intermediate sectionmay be coupled together via mating interlock features to form anassembled intermediate and trailing edge section. The assembledintermediate and trailing edge sections may be installed into the ductvia one or more rail guides. The leading edge baffle section may then beformed by coupling the first baffle portion of the leading edge bafflesection to the assembled intermediate and trailing edge section. Thefirst baffle portion may also be installed around a support structure(e.g., rod or a pipe). The second baffle portion of the leading edgebaffle section may then be coupled to the assembled intermediate andtrailing edge section. The second baffle portion may also be installedaround a support structure (e.g., rod or a pipe) and to the first baffleportion of the leading edge baffle section to form a fully assembledsilencer baffle.

The perimeter of the silencer baffle gradually curves (e.g., tapers)from the leading baffle section to the trailing section, creating a moreaerodynamic shape (e.g., an airfoil shaped baffle). An exterior baffleshell (e.g., outer wall or surface) of the silencer baffle may alsoinclude one or more patterns. The patterns may include recesses and/orprotrusions (e.g., dimples) and allow noise to be absorbed by acousticmaterials (e.g., sound absorption materials) disposed within the baffleshell.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of anembodiment of a power generation system 10 with a silencer baffle 28including a plurality of baffle sections 36 disposed within an inlet airhousing 26 having an intake duct or fluid conduit 27 (e.g., air duct)that uses modularized silencer baffle sections 36 disclosed herein. Inthe following discussion, reference may be made to various directions,including an axial direction or axis 13, a radial direction or axis 15,a circumferential direction or axis 17 and/or laterally 19. The powergeneration system 10 includes a gas turbine engine 12 having acompressor 14 and one or more combustors 16 to receive and combust amixture of compressed oxidant (e.g., air 24) and fuel 18, and one ormore turbines 20 driven by hot gases produced by combustion of theair-fuel mixture.

The hot combustion gases drive the turbine 20, which in turn drives thecompressor 14 and one or more other loads 22. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, the gas turbine engine 12 may be coupled to avariety of loads 22, such as an electrical generator. After driving theturbine 20, the hot gases exit through an exhaust stack 30 and arevented to the atmosphere. The gas turbine engine 12 draws intake gas 24(e.g., oxidant such as ambient air) into the air compressor 14 throughthe air inlet housing 26 and the air duct 27. Although the illustratedembodiment depicts air 24, the intake gas 24 may include air, oxygen,oxygen-enriched air, oxygen-reduced air, exhaust recirculation gas(EGR), or any combination thereof. Nevertheless, the followingdiscussion refers to air as a non-limiting example. As the intake air 24enters the power generation facility 10, the intake air 24 first passesthrough the air inlet housing 26 (e.g., in the axial direction 13) thatis coupled to the gas turbine engine 12. The air inlet housing 26includes the duct 27 extending about an intake air passage, where theduct 27 includes opposite sidewall portions or panels 80, such as a toppanel 82 and a bottom panel 84. The silencer baffles 28 are secured tothe top and bottom panels 82, 84 as described in detail below. Insidethe inlet air housing 26, an array of silencer baffles 28 is utilized asdescribed in detail below. The silencer baffles 28 may also be utilizedin a vent system 32, or other area of the gas turbine engine 12, wherethe temperature of the gases is low enough to utilize the silencerbaffles 28 made of non-metallic materials (e.g., plastics, composites,etc.). In other embodiments, the silencer baffles 28 may be made ofmetallic materials, or metallic/non-metallic composite materials. In oneexample, the vent system 32 may include a fan 34 to reduce thetemperature of the gases being vented through the vent system 32 suchthat the silencer baffles 28 can be used.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of an assembledsilencer baffle 28 of FIG. 1. The silencer baffle 28 includes aplurality of baffle sections 36, which are coupled to adjacent bafflesections 36 via mating interlock structures 38. The mating interlockstructures 38 may include mating rail portions, mating dovetail joints,mating hook and slot joints, mating latches, mating snap-fit couplings,or any combination thereof. The baffle sections 36 may include a leadingedge section 40, a trailing edge section 42, and an intermediate section44 disposed between the leading edge section 40 and the trailing edgesection 42. The number of each of the baffle sections 36 may vary basedin part on the dimensions (e.g., a length, a width, etc.) of the duct27, the top panel 82, and/or the bottom panel 84. It may be appreciatedthat some exterior edges of the baffle sections 36 may not utilize themating interlock features (see radial outermost edge of column 50 b).

The intake air 24 flows through from an upstream portion or chamber 46of the inlet air housing 26 to a downstream portion or chamber 48. Asthe intake air 24 flows through the inlet air housing 26, the air flowis improved by the more aerodynamic shape of the silencer baffle 28. Thebaffle sections 36 may include a contoured exterior surface between aleading edge 29 and a trailing edge 31 of the silencer baffle 28,thereby forming an airfoil shaped perimeter (see FIG. 13) of thesilencer baffle 28. As explained in detail below, the baffle sections 36may be arranged in columns 50 (e.g., stacked one over another in radialdirection 15) and coupled together in rows 52 (e.g., interlocked inaxial direction 13) via the mating interlock structures 38 (e.g., matingrail portions, mating dovetail joints, mating hook and slot joints,mating latches, mating snap-fit couplings, or any combination thereof).The mating interlock structures 38 may restrict the baffle sections 36in the axial direction 13 and/or the radial direction 15. The columns 50(e.g., 50 a, 50 b, etc.) and the rows 52 may be oriented in a grid,staggered, or arranged in any other suitable configuration.

It may be appreciated that at least one of the baffle sections 36 may beinstalled around the support structure 54. In some embodiments, thesupport structure 54 may be a rod 56 that is attached (e.g., threaded,bolted, welded) to the top panel 82 and the bottom panel 84. The rods 56may constrain the panels 82, 84 and function as a load bearing elementto reduce the load on the panels 82, 84. The rods 56 may be circular,square, rectangular, or any other suitable geometry. The rods 56 aredisposed through rod support passages 51 to stabilize the columns 50(e.g., the baffle sections 36). Though the rod 56 is shown disposedthrough the leading edge section 40, it may be appreciated that any ofthe baffle sections 36 (e.g., the trailing edge section 42, theintermediate section 44, etc.) may be secured to the panels 82, 84 viathe rod 56. Still further, the rods 56 may be disposed at every otherbaffle section 36, every third baffle section 36, or any other suitablemanner to secure the baffle section 36 to the panels 82, 84. The bafflesections 36 may include a first baffle portion 68 and a second baffleportion 70 (see FIGS. 4-11) that couple to the rod 56 as discussed indetail below. At least one of the baffle sections 36 may be coupled tothe fluid conduit (e.g., duct 27) via one or more clamps 51. The clamps51 may secure the baffle sections 36 to the panels 82, 84. The top mostrow 52 and the bottom most row 52 of the baffle sections 36 may beinstalled into the panels 82 and 84 via one or more rail guides 58, asexplained with reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the panels 80having a plurality of rail guides 58 disposed on an interior side of thefluid conduit (e.g., duct 27). The rail guides 58 may include a firstrail guide disposed on a first side (e.g., the top panel 82) of thefluid conduit (e.g., duct 27) and/or a second rail guide disposed on asecond side (e.g., the bottom panel 84) of the fluid conduit (e.g., duct27). The rail guides 58 may help align the silencer baffle 28 in thefluid conduit so that the silencer baffles may remain substantiallyparallel to each other. The rail guides 58 may have an open end 60 andwherein the panel 80 is disposed along a top 82 or bottom 84 side of theinlet air housing 26 of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3. In the illustratedembodiment, each rail guide 58 has an outer border or rim 62. Each railguide 58 has a constant width 64 between the surrounding outer borders62. In other words, the width 64 at the open end is substantially thesame as the width 64 at a closed end 66. The rail guide 58 includes theopen end 60, so that the baffle sections 36 (e.g., individual bafflesections 36, preassembled baffle sections 36) can be slid in a direction19 into the rail guide 58. The columns 50 of the baffle sections 36 (andeach entire silencer baffle 28) can then be further stabilized byinserting one or more rods 56 through the one or more baffle sections36, as explained in further detail below. In the illustrated embodiment,the trailing edge section 42 and the intermediate section 44 may becoupled together first and then secured to the panels 82, 84. Theleading section 40 may be installed around the rod 56 and coupled to theassembled trailing edge section 42 and the intermediate section 44. Theassembly of the silencer baffle 28 may be further understood withreference to FIGS. 4-12.

FIGS. 4-12 illustrate the baffle sections 36 (e.g., the leading edgesection 40, the trailing edge section 42, and the intermediate section44) which each have a first baffle portion 68 and a second baffleportion 70. It may be appreciated that the baffle sections 36 for eachsection (the leading edge section 40, the trailing edge section 42, andthe intermediate section 44) may have the same or different lengthsrelative to the other baffle sections 36 for the section. The baffleportions 68, 70 include an interior chamber 71. The first baffle portion68 and the second baffle portion 70 include a first interior chamber orchamber portion 73 and a second interior chamber or chamber portion 75,respectively. The first and second baffle portions 68, 70 include afirst sidewall 76 and a second sidewall 78 extending at least part of adistance 33 between the leading edge 29 and the trailing edge 31 of thesilencer baffle 28. The first and second baffle portions 68, 70 includefirst and second baffle shell portions 67, 79 defined by the first andsecond side walls 76, 78, respectively. The length of the sidewalls 76,78 in the axial direction 13 may vary based on the length of thesilencer baffle 28. One or more sound absorption inserts 72, which aremade of an acoustic damping material are disposed in the first interiorchamber 73 of the first baffle portion 68 and in the second interiorchamber 75 of the second baffle portion 70 of each of the bafflesections 36. The acoustic damping material may function as a soundabsorption material. The acoustic damping material may include mineralwoods, basalt wool, fiberglass, melamine foam, polyurethane foam, orother suitable materials. The sound absorption inserts 72 may be cut toa suitable shape and size and function as a noise attenuation component.Each of the sound absorption inserts 72 may have one or more openings74. The opening 74 may be used to slide the sound absorption inserts 72over a pair of mating joints 88 (e.g., a male joint 90 and a femalejoint 92) attached to the first baffle portion 68 and/or the secondbaffle portion 70 of the baffle sections 36. The mating joints 88 mayinclude snap-fit joints, mating latches, mating hook in slot joints,mating interference fit joints, mating male and female threadedfasteners, mating non-threaded fasteners, mating tool-free fasteners(e.g., for coupling and uncoupling without the need for tools), matingclamps, mating straps, etc.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the trailing edgesection 42 of the silencer baffle 28 taken along line 4-4 of FIGS. 1-2prior to assembly. The trailing edge section 42 includes a first baffleportion 68 and a second baffle portion 70. The first baffle portion 68includes a first exterior surface 94 and a first interior surface 96that are oriented opposite of each other. Similarly, the second baffleportion 70 has a first exterior surface 98 and a second interior surface100 that are oriented opposite of each other. It may be appreciated thatthe first baffle section 68 and the second baffle section 70 may beproduced by same injection mold. The exterior surfaces 94, 98 generallyface away from one another and are exposed to the fluid flow in thefluid duct 27 when the silencer baffle 28 is assembled. The interiorsurfaces 96, 100 generally face toward one another when the first baffleportion 68 and the second baffle portion 70 are coupled together via themating joints 88.

Before the first baffle portion 68 and the second baffle portion 70 arecoupled together, a first insert 102 is inserted into the first chamberportion 73 of the first baffle portion 68 by sliding the first insert102 in the direction 19 into the first chamber portion 71. A secondinsert 104 is inserted into the second chamber portion 75 of the secondbaffle portion 70 by sliding the second insert 104 in a direction 21opposite the direction 19 into the second chamber portion 73. Theopenings 74 are used to slide the first insert 102 over the matingjoints 88. The openings 74 may have a suitable shape to accommodate themating joints 88. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 74 arecylindrical to fit over the mating joints 88. It may be appreciated thatthe number of the mating joints 88 may vary depending on where thebaffle section 36 is disposed in the assembled baffle 28, the type ofbaffle section 36 (e.g., the leading edge section 40, the trailing edgesection 42, or the intermediate section 44), or other factors.

In some embodiments, the types of mating joints 88 may be alternatedalong the interior surface 96, 100 of the baffle section 36. Forexample, each baffle portion 68, 70 of each baffle section 36 mayinclude a plurality of male joints 90 and/or female joints 92 (e.g.,alternating distribution or sequence of male and female joints 90, 92),thereby defining a plurality of mating joints 88 along a perimeter(e.g., peripheral joints) or central area (e.g., central joints). Forexample, the first baffle portion 68 may have include the first malejoint 90 adjacent to the first female joint 92 along the first interiorsurface 96 of the first baffle portion 68. The position of the matingjoints 88 on the second baffle portion 70 may be determined in part bythe position of the mating joints 88 on the first baffle portion 68. Forexample, the second female joint 92 on the second baffle portion 70 maybe disposed across from the first baffle portion 68 to receive the firstmale joint 90 disposed on the first baffle portion 68 when the baffleportions 68, 70 are coupled together. The second male joint 90 may bedisposed across from the first baffle portion 68 on the second baffleportion 70 to receive the first female joint 90 disposed on the firstbaffle portion 68 when the baffle portions 68, 70 are coupled together.When the mating joints 88 are coupled together, the first insert 102 andthe second insert 104 are covered by the baffle portions 68, 70, asillustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the trailing edgesection 42 of the silencer baffle 28 taken along line 4-4 of FIGS. 1-2after assembly. When the male joints 90 are inserted into the femalejoints 92, the first baffle portion 68 and the second baffle portion 70are coupled together forming the trailing edge section 42. The matinginterlock structures 38 are indicated by a dashed line 106 and may beused to connect the trailing edge section 42 to the intermediate section44. As described above, the mating interlock structure 38 may includemating rail portions, mating dovetail joints, mating hook and slotjoints, mating latches, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments,the intermediate section 44 may be assembled before the trailing edgesection 42 is coupled to the intermediate section 44.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the intermediatesection 44 of the silencer baffle 28 taken along line 4-4 of FIGS. 1-2prior to assembly. As described above with reference to the trailingedge section 42, the intermediate section 44 includes the first baffleportion 68 and the second baffle portion 70. The first baffle portion 68includes the first exterior surface 94 and the first interior surface 96that are oriented opposite of each other. Similarly, the second baffleportion 70 includes the first exterior surface 98 and the secondinterior surface 100 that are oriented opposite of each other. Theexterior surfaces 94, 98 generally face away from one another and areexposed to the fluid flow in the fluid conduit when the silencer baffle28 is assembled. The interior surfaces 96, 100 generally face toward oneanother when the first baffle portion 68 and the second baffle portion70 are coupled together via the mating joints 88. The mating joints 88disposed closest to the edges along a perimeter of the baffle sectionsmay be described as peripheral mating joints 89. The mating joints 88disposed between the peripheral mating joints 89 in a central area maybe described as central mating joints 91. The mating joints 88illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 may be described in a similar manner inembodiments utilizing more than two mating joints 88.

As described above, the first insert 102 is inserted into the firstbaffle portion 68 by sliding the first insert 102 in the direction 19into the first chamber portion 71. The second insert 104 is insertedinto the second baffle portion 70 by sliding the second insert 104 inthe direction 21 opposite the direction 19 into the second chamberportion 73. The openings 74 are used to slide the first insert 102 overthe mating joints 88. As may be appreciated, the baffle portions 68, 70may utilize 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30, or more matingjoints 88 to couple together. In the illustrated embodiment, at leastthree pairs (or rows of multiple pairs) of mating joints 88 are used tocouple the intermediate section 44 together.

The mating joints 88 are alternated between the male joints 90 and thefemale joints 92 along the interior surface 96, 100 of the bafflesection 36 (e.g., the intermediate section 44). For example, the firstbaffle portion 68 may have include male joints 90 disposed on eitherside of the first female joint 92 along the first interior surface 96 ofthe first baffle portion 68. The position of the mating joints 88 on thesecond baffle portion 70 may be determined in part by the position ofthe mating joints 88 on the first baffle portion 68. For example, thefemale joints 92 on the second baffle portion 70 may be disposed acrossfrom the first baffle portion 68 to receive the male joints 90 disposedon the first baffle portion 68 when the baffle portions 68, 70 arecoupled together. When the mating joints 88 are coupled together, thefirst insert 102 and the second insert 104 are covered by the baffleshell portions 67, 69 of the baffle portions 68, 70, as illustrated inFIG. 7. As may be appreciated, the baffle portions 68, 70 may utilize 1,2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30 or more mating joints 88 to coupletogether.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the intermediatesection 44 of the silencer baffle 28 taken along line 4-4 of FIGS. 1-2after assembly. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the intermediatesection 44 of the silencer baffle 28 after assembly. When the malejoints 90 are inserted into the female joints 92 (e.g., mating joints88), the intermediate section 44 is coupled together to form thecomplete intermediate section 44. As illustrated, the male joints 90 andthe female joints 92 may be alternated between the male joints 90 andthe female joints 92 along either interior surface (e.g., the firstinterior surface 96, the second interior surface 100). The matinginterlock structures 38 are indicated by a dashed line 106 and may beused to connect the intermediate section 44 to another intermediatesection 44, the trailing edge section 42, and/or the leading edgesection 40. In some embodiments, the intermediate section 44 may beassembled before the trailing edge section 42 is coupled to theintermediate section 44.

FIGS. 8-9 illustrate an embodiment of the assembly of the trailing edgesection 42 and the intermediate section 44. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectionalview of an embodiment of the trailing edge section 42 and theintermediate section 44 of the silencer baffle 28 taken along line 4-4of FIGS. 1-2 before the trailing edge section 42 and the intermediatesection 44 are coupled together via the mating interlock structures 38.As described above, the mating interlock structures 38 may includemating rail portions, mating dovetail joints, mating hook and slotjoints, mating latches, mating snap-fit couplings, or any combinationthereof. In one embodiment, the mating interlock structures 38 (e.g.,the dovetail joints) may be inserted (e.g., slidingly coupled) togetherin the direction 21 to interlock with one another.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the trailing edgesection 42 and the intermediate section 44 of the silencer baffle 28taken along line 4-4 of FIGS. 1-2 after the trailing edge section 42 andthe intermediate section 44 are coupled together. The assembled bafflesections 42, 44 form a gradual curve (e.g., taper) from the intermediatebaffle section 44 to the trailing section 42, creating a moreaerodynamic shape (e.g., an airfoil shaped baffle). The baffle sections36 may have patterns on exterior surfaces of the baffle sections 36. Thepatterns may include recesses and/or protrusions (e.g., dimples) andallow noise to be absorbed by acoustic materials (e.g., sound absorptionmaterials) disposed within the baffle shell, as described below withreference to FIG. 19.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate embodiments of the assembly of the leading edgesection 40 of the silencer baffle 28. FIG. 10 illustrates is across-sectional view of an embodiment of the leading edge section 40 ofthe silencer baffle 28 taken along line 4-4 of FIGS. 1-2 before thefirst and the second baffle portions 68, 70 of the leading edge section40 have been coupled to the assembled intermediate section 44 andtrailing edge section 42 of FIG. 9. As described above, the leading edgesection 40 (e.g., the first baffle portion 68, the second baffle portion70) of the silencer baffle 28 may be coupled around the supportstructure 54 (e.g., the rod 56) in a crosswise direction (e.g.,perpendicular or substantially perpendicular) relative to a longitudinalaxis 57 of the support structure 54. Although only the leading edgesection 40 is illustrated as utilizing the support structure 54 (e.g.,the rod 56), it may be appreciated that other baffle sections 36 (e.g.,the trailing edge section 42, the intermediate baffle section 44) may beassembled around a support structure 54 (e.g., the rod 56) disposedbetween the first and second baffle portions 68, 70 of the trailing edgesection 42 and/or the intermediate baffle section 44. The trailing edgesection 42 and the intermediate baffle section 44 may be installed intothe rail guides 58 prior to installing the leading edge section 40, asdescribed above with reference FIG. 3

When the support structure 54 is utilized between the first baffleportion 68 and the second baffle portion 70, the baffle portions 68, 70may include a clamping plate 116 (e.g., a flexible plate). The clampingplate 116 may be used in both the first and second baffle portions 68 oreither the first baffle portion 68 or the second baffle portion 70. Thefirst and second clamping plates 116 extend in a plane generallycrosswise to the longitudinal axis 57 of the support structure 54 (e.g.,in the radial direction 15). The clamping plate 116 may be made fromflexible materials such as plastics including acrylonitrile butadienestyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, chlorinatedpolyvinyl chloride, or other suitable thermoplastic polymers material.The clamping plate 116 provides additional structural support for thesupport structure 54 (e.g., the rod 56). The clamping plate 116 includesa curved recess 118 that extends in the axial direction 30 between afirst end 120 to a second end 124 of the baffle portions 68, 70. As maybe appreciated, the curved recess 118 of the clamping plate 116 mayserve as a clamp or receiving structure for the support structure 54(e.g., the rod 56). The clamping plate 116 may enable thermal growth ofthe silencer baffle 28 independent from the duct 27 and from the panels80. The material of the clamping plate 116 may enable thermal growth ofthe silencer baffle 28 based in part on the greater coefficient ofthermal expansion of the plastic materials relative to the materials ofthe duct 27 and the rod 56. In some embodiments, the clamping plate 116may be resilient and may be able to flex, thereby providing some springforce or the clamping plate 116 may be rigid.

The support structure 54 (e.g., the rod 56) may provide structuralsupport to the duct 27 and the panels 80 (the top panel 82, the bottompanel 84). The support structure 54 (e.g., the rod 56) and the baffle 28may reduce the load on the duct 27, in part due to the silencer baffles28 being made from lighter materials (e.g., non-metallic materials suchas plastics, composites). As such, the lighter materials may reduce theweight of the silencer baffles 28.

The first insert 102 and the second insert 104 may include recesses orcurved openings 126 so that the first and second inserts 102, 104 fitaround the support structure 54 (e.g., rod 56) when the first and secondinserts 102, 104 are installed into the respective baffle portions 68,70 as described below. As described above, the first insert 102 isinserted into the first chamber portion 73 of the first baffle portion68 by sliding the first insert 102 in the direction 19. The secondinsert 104 is inserted into the second chamber portion 75 of the secondbaffle portion 70 by sliding the second insert 104 in the direction 21opposite the direction 19. The openings 74 are used to slide the firstinsert 102 over the mating joints 88. The baffle portions 68, 70 mayutilize 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30 or more mating joints 88to couple together. As may be appreciated, the first baffle portion 68or the second baffle portion 70 may be installed around the supportstructure 54 or the baffle portions 68, 70 may be installedsimultaneously around the support structure 54.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 4-8, the first and secondbaffle portions 68, 70 may be coupled together via the mating joints 88.The number types of mating joints 88 may be alternated along theinterior surface 96, 100 of the baffle section 36. For example, thefirst baffle portion 68 may have include the first male joint 90adjacent to the first female joint 92 along the first interior surface96 of the first baffle portion 68. The position of the mating joints 88on the second baffle portion 70 may be determined in part by theposition of the mating joints 88 on the first baffle portion 68. Thesecond female joint 92 on the second baffle portion 70 may be disposedacross from the first baffle portion 68 to receive the first male joint90 disposed on the first baffle portion 68 when the baffle portions 68,70 are coupled together. The second male joint 90 may be disposed acrossfrom the first baffle portion 68 on the second baffle portion 70 toreceive the first female joint 90 disposed on the first baffle portion68 when the baffle portions 68, 70 are coupled together. Although onlytwo mating joints 88 are shown in the illustrated embodiment, it mayappreciated that 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30, or moremating joints 88 (e.g., male joint 90, female joint 92) may be utilizedto couple the first and second baffle portions 68, 70 together.

FIG. 11 illustrates is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of theleading edge section 40 of the silencer baffle 28 taken along line 4-4of FIGS. 1-2 after the first baffle portion 68 of the leading edgesection 40 has been coupled to the assembled intermediate section 44 andtrailing edge section 42 of FIG. 9 partially around (e.g., one firstside of) the support structure 54. In the illustrated embodiment, secondbaffle portion 70 is slid in the direction 19 towards the supportstructure 54 (e.g., the rod). The second baffle portion 70 is coupled toand around the support structure 54 (e.g., the rod 56) and to theassembled intermediate section 44 and trailing edge section 42. Thedashed line 106 illustrates that the second baffle portion 70 isinterlocked to the assembled intermediate section 44 and trailing edgesection 42 via the mating interlock structures 38.

Next, the first baffle portion 68 is slid in the direction 21 towardsthe support structure 54 (e.g., the rod 56). The mating joints 88 may becoupled together (e.g., slidingly engaged or snap-fit together) suchthat the male joint 90 is inserted into the female joint 92 to assemblethe first baffle portion 68 to the second baffle portion 70. When themating joints 88 are coupled together, the first insert 102 and thesecond insert 104 are covered by the baffle shell portions 67, 69 of thebaffle portions 68, 70. Still further, the first baffle portion 68 iscoupled to the intermediate section 44 and the trailing edge section 42via the mating interlock structures 38. The fully assembled silencerbaffle 28 as described with reference to FIGS. 4-11 may be furtherunderstood with reference to FIG. 12.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view an embodiment of the leading edgesection 40 of the silencer baffle taken along line 4-4 of FIGS. 1-2after the second baffle portion 70 of the leading edge section 40 hasbeen coupled to the first baffle portion 68 and to the assembledintermediate section 44 and trailing edge section 42 of FIG. 9 aroundthe support structure 54. As may be appreciated, several of theassembled silencer baffles 28 may be installed in the duct 27 betweenthe panels 80. As described above, the silencer baffles 28 may also beutilized in a vent system 32, or other area of the gas turbine engine12, where the temperature of the gases is low enough to utilize thesilencer baffles 28 made of non-metallic materials (e.g., plastics,composites, etc.).

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the first baffleportion 68 of the leading edge section 40 of the silencer baffle 28taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 2 illustrating the plurality of male andfemale joints 90, 92. In the leading edge section 40, the mating joints88 (e.g., the male joint 90, the female joint 92) may be disposedbetween the flexible plates 116. It may be appreciated that any number(e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more) of male and female joints 90, 92 may bedisposed in the axial direction 13 along the first baffle portion 68.The number of male and female joints 90, 92 disposed on the first baffleportion 68 directly correlate to the number and orientation of male andfemale joints disposed on the second baffle portion 70. For example, themating joints 88 disposed on the first baffle portion 68 and the secondbaffle portion 70 may be complementary, such that the male joints 90 areoriented across from the female joints 92 to slidingly engage with oneanother. The number and orientation of the mating joints 88 (e.g., themale joint 90, the female joint 92) may vary based in part on thedesired structural support for the particular baffle section 36.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the first baffleportion 68 of the trailing edge section 42 of the silencer baffle 28taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 2 illustrating the plurality of male andfemale joints 90, 92. As described above, the number of male and femalejoints 90, 92 disposed on the first baffle portions 68 directlycorrelate to the number and orientation of male and female jointsdisposed on the second baffle portion 70. For example, the mating joints88 disposed on the first baffle portion 68 and the second baffle portion70 may be complementary such that the male joints 90 are oriented acrossfrom the female joints 92 to slidingly engage (e.g., snap-fit) with oneanother. It may be appreciated that any number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6or more) of male and female joints 90, 92 may be disposed in the axialdirection 13 along the first baffle portion 68.

In the trailing edge section 42, the mating joints 88 (e.g., the malejoint 90, the female joint 92) may be coupled to a structural support orplate 130. The plates 130 may be made of a suitable material, such asthe materials the flexible plates 116 are made from (e.g., acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride,chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, or other suitable thermoplastic polymersmaterial) or other suitable materials. However, the plates 130 may nothave a curved structure 118 to receive the support structures 54. Inembodiments where the support structure 54 is utilized in the trailingedge section 42, the flexible plate 116 may be utilized to support thesupport structure 54.

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the maleand the female joints 90, 92 used to couple the baffle portions 68, 70together. As described above, the mating joints 88 may include snap-fitjoints, mating latches, mating hook in slot joints, mating interferencefit joints, mating male and female threaded fasteners, matingnon-threaded fasteners, mating tool-free fasteners (e.g., coupling andcoupling without the need for tools), mating clamps, mating straps, etc.When the male joint 90 is inserted into the female joint 92, the matingjoint 88 may be coupled together to form an interlocked coupling betweenthe first and second baffle portions 68, 70. As illustrated, the malejoint 90 has a protruding portion 108 with an enlarged head or bossportion 109 disposed on a narrow neck portion 110. The female joint 92has a recess or opening 111 having a tapered bore 112 leading to lip orshoulder 112. The portion 109 snaps into engagement with shoulder 113.

FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of a baffle section 36,illustrating integral locks 131 (e.g., snap-fit couplings) disposed onthe interlock structures 38 (e.g., dovetail joints). In particular, thebaffle section 36 has alternating male and female interlock portions 37and 39 of the interlock structures 38, wherein the integral locks 131have alternating first and second lock portions 132 and 133 (e.g.,snap-fit coupling portions) on the respective interlock portions 37 and39, respectively. In particular, the alternating male and femaleinterlock portions 37 and 39 on the illustrated baffle section 36 areconfigured to interlock with corresponding female and male interlockportions 39 and 37 on an adjacent baffle section 36. Likewise, the firstlock portion 132 disposed in each of the female interlock portions 37 ofthe illustrated baffle section 36 is configured to lock with (e.g.,snap-fit with) the corresponding second lock portions 133 disposed oneach of the male interlock portions 39 of an adjacent baffle section 36.Furthermore, the second lock portion 133 disposed on each of the maleinterlock portions 39 of the illustrated baffle section 36 is configuredto lock with (e.g., snap-fit with) the corresponding first lock portions131 disposed in each of the female interlock portions 37 of an adjacentbaffle section 36. The integral locks 131 (e.g., mating first and secondlock portions 132 and 133) are configured to secure (e.g., block releaseor separation of) the interlock structures 38 (e.g., mating female andmale interlock portions 37 and 39) once coupled together. In theillustrated embodiment, the interlock portions 37 and 39 are matingfemale and male dovetail joints, while the lock portions 132 and 133 aremating snap-fit couplings.

As illustrated, the first lock portion 132 has a snap-fit recess oropening 134 disposed between opposite first and second tapered guides orramps 136 and 138. Given that the baffle section 36 is an assembly offirst and second baffle portions 68 and 70, the first ramp 136 isdisposed on the first baffle portion 68 and the second ramp 138 isdisposed on the second baffle portion 70. Furthermore, the opening 134may be split or continuously formed by first and second opening portions139 and 140 disposed on opposite sides of an interface 141 between thefirst and second baffle portions 68 and 70.

The second lock portion 133 has a snap-fit protrusion 142 configured tosnap-fit into the snap-fit opening 134 of the first lock portion 131. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the snap-fit protrusion 142 has a firstsnap-fit tab 144 disposed on a first resilient arm 146 and a secondsnap-fit tab 148 disposed on a second resilient arm 150. Given that thebaffle section 36 is an assembly of first and second baffle portions 68and 70, the first resilient arm 146 having the first snap-fit tab 144 isdisposed on the first baffle portion 68 and the second resilient arm 150having the second snap-fit tab 148 is disposed on the second baffleportion 70.

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of theintegral lock 131 of FIG. 16, taken through line 17-17 to furtherillustrate details of the first lock portion 132 in the female interlockportion 37 of the interlock structure 38. As illustrated by arrow 152,as the male interlock portion 39 (e.g., male dovetail joint) slides intoengagement with the female interlock portion 37 (e.g., female dovetailjoint) of the mating interlock structures 38 of adjacent baffle sections36, the second lock portion 133 also moves into engagement with thefirst lock portion 132. Accordingly, the snap-fit tabs 144 and 148gradually slide along one of the ramps (e.g., the first ramp 136), theresilient arms 146 and 150 flex upwardly away from the ramps as thesnap-fit tabs 144 and 148 approach the opening 134, and then theresilient arms 146 and 150 eventually bias (e.g., spring bias) thesnap-fit tabs 144 and 148 into the opening 134 (e.g., opening portions139 and 140) upon fully engaging the female and male interlock portions37 and 39.

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of theintegral lock 131 of FIG. 16, further illustrating the first lockportion 132 in the female interlock portion 37 fully engaged with thesecond lock portion 133 on the male interlock portion 39. The details ofthe first lock portion 132 are the same as shown in FIG. 17, which istaken through line 17-17 of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 illustrates details of thesecond lock portion 133 as taken through line 18-18 of FIG. 16. Asillustrated, the snap-fit tabs 144 and 148 are disposed within theopening 134 (e.g., opening portions 139 and 140), while the resilientarms 146 and 150 hold (e.g., inwardly bias) the positions of thesnap-fit tabs 144 and 148. As a result, the snap-fit tabs 144 and 148block separation or release of mating interlock structures 38 (e.g.,female and male interlock portions 37 and 39, such that adjacent bafflesections 36 cannot move in opposite directions 154 and 156.

FIG. 19 is a close-up view of an embodiment of the exterior surface 94,98 of one or more baffle sections 36 (e.g., leading edge section 40) ofthe silencer baffle 28. The baffle sections 36 may include variouspatterns 158 disposed on the exterior surface 94, 98 of the bafflesections 36. The patterns 158 also may provide recesses or openingsthrough which the inlet air 24 is blown through. The pattern 158disposed on the exterior surface 94, 98 of the leading edge section 40includes a plurality of recesses or openings 160. The openings 160 maycover approximately 1 to 100%, 25 to 70%, 40 to 50%, and all percentagesthere between of the exterior surface 94, 98 of one or more bafflesections 36. The openings 160 enable the inlet air 24 to be exposed tothe openings and allows noise to be absorbed by the sound absorptioninserts 72 (e.g., the first insert 102, the second insert 104) disposedwithin the baffle portions 68, 70 as described above. The openings 160may be disposed on any or all of the baffle sections 36, such as theleading edge section 40, the trailing edge section 42, and/or theintermediate sections 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 160may have a substantially square or rectangular shape. In otherembodiments, the openings 160 may have other shapes including ovals,circles, triangles, hexagons, or combination thereof.

FIG. 20 illustrates a method 180 of forming the silencer baffles 28 inaccordance with the embodiments disclosed herein. The method 180includes forming (block 182) complementary baffle sections 36 viainjection molding. As described above, the baffle sections 36 includemating joints 88 (e.g., male joint 90, female joints 92) where theorientation of the mating joints 88 (e.g., male joint 90) may bedetermined in part by the position of the complementary mating joint 88(e.g., female joint 92). The method 180 includes perforating (block 184)the exterior surface 94, 98 of the baffle sections 36 to allow noise tobe absorbed. The perforations are also formed from the injection mold.The method 180 may include inspecting (block 186) the baffle sections 36to ensure that the baffle sections 36 are suitable for use in the duct27. The method 180 includes (block 188) positioning the sound absorptioninserts 72 into the baffle portions 68, 70. As described above, thesound absorption inserts 72 may have openings 74 disposed in the soundabsorption material to accommodate the mating joints 88. The method 180includes (block 190) coupling the baffle portions together via themating joints 88.

FIG. 21 illustrates a method 200 of installing the silencer baffles 28in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein. The method 200includes assembling (block 202) the trailing edge baffle section 42together by coupling the baffle portions 68, 70 together. The method 200includes assembling (block 204) the intermediate baffle section 44together by coupling the baffle portions 68, 70 together. The method 200includes coupling (block 206) the trailing edge baffle section 42 to theintermediate baffle section 44 together via the mating interlockfeatures 38 (e.g., dovetail joints) to form an assembled trailing edgesection and intermediate baffle section. The method 200 includescoupling (block 208) the support structure (e.g., the rod 56, pipe) tothe duct, such as by welding or anchoring the support structure to theduct 27. The method 200 includes sliding (block 210) the assembledtrailing edge and intermediate edge sections 42, 44 into the duct 27 viaguides 58 in the duct panels 80 (e.g., the bottom panel 82, the toppanel 84) or to an adjacent row of baffle sections. The method 200includes coupling (block 212) the first portion of the leading edgebaffle section 40 around the support structure 54 and to the assembledtrailing edge and intermediate baffle sections 42, 44. The method 200includes coupling (block 214) the second portion of the leading edgebaffle section around the support structure 54 and to the assembledtrailing edge and intermediate baffle sections 42, 44 to form anassembled silencer baffle 28. The method 200 includes continuing (block216) to form the silencer baffles 28 as described herein until a desirednumber of silencer baffles is complete.

Technical effects of the claimed subject matter include forming bafflesections by coupling first and second baffle portions 68, 70 togethervia male and female mating joints 88. Sound absorption inserts 72 may beinserted into interior chambers 73, 75 of the baffle sections 68, 70 toabsorb noise. One or more of the baffle sections 36 (e.g., the leadingedge baffle section) may be formed around a support structure (e.g., arod) which is secured to the duct panels 80. The baffle portions 68, 70may form baffle sections 36 by coupling the mating joints 88 together toform each baffle section 36 (e.g., the leading edge baffle section 40,the trailing edge baffle section 42, and the intermediate section 44).The baffle sections 36 may be coupled together via mating interlockfeatures 38. At least one of the baffle sections may utilize a supportstructure (e.g., rod) to reduce the load on the assembled silencerbaffle.

This written description uses examples to disclose the claimed subjectmatter, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilledin the art to practice the claimed subject matter, including making andusing any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods.The patentable scope of the claimed subject matter is defined by theclaims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled inthe art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of theclaims if they have structural elements that do not differ from theliteral language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structuralelements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of theclaims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a silencer baffleconfigured to mount in a fluid conduit along a fluid flow path, whereinthe silencer baffle comprises: a plurality of baffle sections, at leasttwo baffle sections of the plurality of baffle sections are configuredto couple together via mating interlock structures, and at least onebaffle section of the plurality of baffle sections has first and secondbaffle portions configured to couple together, wherein the first baffleportion comprises a first upstream portion and a first downstreamportion, wherein the second baffle portion comprises a second upstreamportion and a second downstream portion, wherein the first upstreamportion is configured to couple to the second upstream portion via afirst set of mating joints and the first downstream portion isconfigured to couple to the second downstream portion via a second setof mating joints.
 2. The system of claim 1, comprising the fluid conduithaving the silencer baffle along the fluid flow path.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, comprising a machine coupled to the fluid conduit.
 4. Thesystem of claim 3, wherein the machine comprises a turbine engine. 5.The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second baffle portions areconfigured to couple together about a support structure extendingbetween opposite sides of the fluid conduit.
 6. The system of claim 5,wherein the at least one baffle section having the first and secondbaffle portions comprises a leading edge section of the silencer baffle.7. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one baffle section havingthe first and second baffle portions comprises a leading edge section, atrailing edge section, or an intermediate section of the silencerbaffle.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first baffle portion has afirst exterior surface opposite from a first interior surface, thesecond baffle portion has a second exterior surface opposite from asecond interior surface, the first and second exterior surfaces areconfigured to be exposed to fluid flow in the fluid conduit, and thefirst and second interior surfaces are configured to face one anotheralong a direction of the fluid flow path when the first and secondbaffle portions are coupled together.
 9. The system of claim 1, whereinthe first upstream portion has a first sidewall extending at least partof a distance between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the silencerbaffle, and the second upstream portion has a second sidewall extendingat least part of the distance between the leading edge and the trailingedge of the silencer baffle.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein themating joints comprise one or more pairs of a male joint disposed in afemale joint.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the mating jointscomprise mating snap-fit joints.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second sets of mating joints comprise one or more pairs ofperipheral mating joints disposed along a perimeter of the first andsecond upstream portions and the first and second downstream portions,respectively and one or more central mating joints disposed along acentral area between the first and second baffle portions.
 13. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the at least one baffle section comprises abaffle shell disposed about an interior chamber comprising a soundabsorption material disposed in the interior chamber, and the firstbaffle portion comprises a first baffle shell portion having a firstchamber portion of the interior chamber, and the second baffle portioncomprises a second baffle shell portion having a second chamber portionof the interior chamber.
 14. The system of claim 13, comprising a firstsound absorption insert disposed in the first chamber portion and asecond sound absorption insert disposed in the second chamber portion.15. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of baffle sections ofthe silencer baffle comprises a contoured exterior surface between aleading edge and a trailing edge of the silencer baffle, and thecontoured exterior surface defines an airfoil shaped perimeter.
 16. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the mating interlock structures comprisemating rail structures or mating male and female joint portions.
 17. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the mating interlock structures comprise adovetail joint having a male dovetail joint portion disposed in a femaledovetail joint portion.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the silencerbaffle has an exterior surface having a pattern of recesses, openings,or a combination thereof.
 19. A system, comprising: a silencer baffleconfigured to mount in a fluid conduit along a fluid flow path, whereinthe silencer baffle comprises: a first baffle portion comprising a firstupstream portion and first downstream portion; and a second baffleportion comprising a second upstream portion and a second downstreamportion, wherein the first and second upstream portion are configured toalign with one another and the first and second downstream portions areconfigured to align with one another when the first and second baffleportions are coupled together about a support structure extendingbetween opposite sides of the fluid conduit.
 20. A system, comprising: Asilencer baffle configured to mount in a fluid conduit along a fluidflow path, wherein the silencer baffle comprises: A first baffle portionand a second baffle portion, wherein the first baffle portion comprisesa first upstream portion and a first downstream portion; and The secondbaffle portion comprises a second upstream portion and a seconddownstream portion, wherein the first upstream portion is configured tocoupled to the second upstream portion with first mating joints and thefirst downstream portion is configured to couple to the seconddownstream portion with second mating joints, respectively about aninterior chamber, wherein a sound absorption material is disposed in theinterior chamber.